National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

In 1970, Congress enacted the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) [42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.] to include environmental protection in federal government plans and decisions. NEPA mandates that federal agencies consider how any proposed plan or project might affect the environment. Through a process sometimes referred to as environmental impact assessment, each federal agency—often in consultation with other federal agencies—reviews the potential effect its initiatives might have on the nation’s social, economic, and natural resources. If those potential effects are tangible, the agency prepares an Environmental Assessment (EA). If on further review those effects appear significant, the agency then prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)—a more detailed analysis of the project’s environmental issues. If from the outset, however, environmental concerns appear significant, the agency can prepare an EIS without first writing an EA. Primarily at the EIS stage, federal agencies, as well as concerned state, local, and tribal governments, and private citizens can review the EIS and provide comments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also participates in this environmental impact assessment process. CDC reviews NEPA documents submitted by other agencies and comments on the potential public health effects of proposed federal actions. CDC conducts these reviews on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In 1978, DHHS delegated this responsibility to CDC.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• CDC Fact Sheet: Public Health Impact Assessment in NEPA [PDF - 1.44 MB]
• NEPA-related Resources

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). US Environmental Protection Agency. 2009 July 15. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/faqs/nepa/index.html [Last accessed 2009 Nov 6]. 43 Federal Register 164. Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegation of Authority. 1978 August 22. Washington DC: Government Printing Office.

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